New Braunfels committee launches support effort.

New Braunfels Police Department officers talks to a tuber seen with a styrofoam container while patroling the Comal River on Labor Day weekend, Sunday, Sept. 4, 2011. The New Braunfels Police Department beefed up their weekend patrol from a unit of six to over 40 officers to insure public safety on the river.

Photo By Robin Jerstad/Special to the Express-News

Chante Mazy (left, Yali Mazy Bolton,(center), and Ahni Mazy Bolton (right) express their opinion during a protest on the New Braufels Main Plaza against a proposed city ordinance banning disposable containers on the Comal River.

Photo By TOM REEL/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

METRO Vanessa Silva (left) pours beer into the funnel end of a "beer bong" as Joe Anthony guzzles the cold liquid with spring break party friends cheering him on Tuesday, March 16, 2004 on the Guadalupe River. BEER BONGS ON THE GUADALUPE RIVER MARCH 16, 2004 TOM REEL/STAFF

Photo By JOHN DAVENPORT/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

A New Braunfels, Texas police officer talks to tubers on the Comal river before opening their ice chest on Sunday July 2, 2006. Police there were wading into the water and searching ice chests for contraband such as glass containers, styrofoam cups or anything else illegal on the river. JOHN DAVENPORT / STAFF

Photo By Robin Jerstad/Special to the Express-News

Landy Whitley of New Braunfels expresses her views on a proposed container ban on the Comal River by the New Braunfels City Council on the city's Main Plaza.

Photo By Jerry Lara/Express-News

New Braunfels Police Department Officer Michael Smith empties confiscated glass wine bottles while patrolling the Comal River on Labor Day weekend, Sunday, Sept. 4, 2011 in New Braunfels, Texas. New Braunfels recently passed an ordinance banning containers on the parts of the Comal River and Guadalupe River in New Braunfels. The ban goes in to effect Jan. 1, 2012.

Photo By Nicole Fruge/San Antonio Express-News

John Leatherwood of Austin indulges in a beer during the running of the tubes event that kicks off tubing season on the Comal River at Prince Solms Park in New Braunfels Friday afternoon. NICOLE FRUGE/STAFF

Photo By JERRY LARA/Jerry Lara/Express-News

New Braunfels Police Department officers and Fire Deparment personnel attend to a woman injured while diving off a deck into the Comal River on Labor Day weekend, Sunday, Sept. 4, 2011.

Photo By TOM REEL/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

METRO A group of friends from Lake Travis make their way down steps to launch their tubes into the Guadalupe River near Sattler on June 24, 2010. Tom Reel/Staff

Photo By Robin Jerstad/Special to the Express-News

People gather on the New Braunfels Main Plaza to protest a proposed city council ordinance to ban disposable containers on the Comal River.

Photo By SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

City of New Braunfels Park Rangers gather under a tree as people float by on the Comal River.

Photo By Robin Jerstad/Special to the Express-News

Landy Whitley and Anne Winans lead a group protesting a New Braunfels City Council proposed ordinance to ban disposable containers on the Comal River.

Photo By EDWARD A. ORNELAS/Edward A. Ornelas/Express-News

A tuber enjoys the tube chute in Prince Solms Park on the Comal River Sunday July 24, 2011 in New Braunfels.

P.J. Olivars holds his sign protesting the proposed New Braunfels ordinance banning disposable containers on the Comal River. Olivares was picketing in front of the New Braunfels Convention Center.

Photo By JERRY LARA/Jerry Lara/Express-News

New Braunfels Police Department Chief Thomas Wibert, center, Lt. Heath Purvis, left, and Assistant Chief Joe Vargas patrol the Comal River on Labor Day weekend, Sunday, Sept. 4, 2011. The departments beefed up its patrol from a total of six dedicated officers to nearly 40 on weekend during the summer season.

Photo By JERRY LARA/Jerry Lara/Express-News

A tuber takes to swimming while riding the Comal River on Labor Day weekend, Sunday, Sept. 4, 2011. Crowds were lower than expected over the holiday weekend according to the New Braunfels Police Department.

Photo By JERRY LARA/Jerry Lara/Express-News

Tubers go through rapids as they exit a chute on the Comal River on Labor Day weekend, Sunday, Sept. 4, 2011. The New Braunfels Police Department beefed up their weekend patrol from a unit of six to over 40 officers to insure public safety on the river.

Photo By JERRY LARA/Jerry Lara/Express-News

A tuber wipes out going over a dam on the Comal River on Labor Day weekend, Sunday, Sept. 4, 2011. The New Braunfels Police Department beefed up their weekend patrol from a unit of six to over 40 officers to insure public safety on the river.

New Braunfels Police Department Officer Greg Fuller takes to the water as he patrols the Comal River on Labor Day weekend, Sunday, Sept. 4, 2011.

Photo By JERRY LARA/Jerry Lara/Express-News

New Braunfels Police Department officers patrol the Comal River on Labor Day weekend, Sunday, Sept. 4, 2011. Although the department was expecting a large crowd for the last weekend of the Summer, Police Chief Thomas Wibert said the crowds were smaller than expected. The department counts on extra patrol officers over the weekend during the Summer season.

Photo By JERRY LARA/Jerry Lara/Express-News

Tuber traffic clogs up at a chute on the Comal River on Labor Day weekend, Sunday, Sept. 4, 2011. The New Braunfels Police Department beefed up their weekend patrol from a unit of six to over 40 officers to insure public safety on the river.

Photo By Robin Jerstad/Special to the Express-News

A large crowd gathered for the New Braunfels City Council meeting to discuss a proposed ordinance banning disposable containers on the Comal River. The large group forced the council to hold the meeting at the New Braunfels Convention Center.

Photo By Robin Jerstad/Special to the Express-News

Austin Attorney Jim Eubank leads a long line of citizens waiting to speak to the New Braunfels City Council about a proposed ordinance that would ban disposable containers on the Comal River.

Photo By Robin Jerstad/Special to the Express-News

New Braunfels Mayor Gail Pospisil speaks during the city council meeting. On the agenda is the proposed ordinance to ban disposable containers on the Comal River.

Photo By EDWARD A. ORNELAS/Edward A. Ornelas/Express-News

A tuber enjoys the tube chute in Prince Solms Park on the Comal River Sunday July 24, 2011 in New Braunfels.

Photo By EDWARD A. ORNELAS/Edward A. Ornelas/Express-News

Tubers enjoy the Comal River Sunday July 24, 2011 at Prince Solms Park in New Braunfels.

Photo By EDWARD A. ORNELAS/Edward A. Ornelas/Express-News

Tubers enjoy the Comal River Sunday July 24, 2011 at Prince Solms Park in New Braunfels.

Photo By EDWARD A. ORNELAS/Edward A. Ornelas/Express-News

Tubers enjoy the Comal River Sunday July 24, 2011 at Prince Solms Park in New Braunfels.

Photo By EDWARD A. ORNELAS/Edward A. Ornelas/Express-News

Tubers enjoy the Comal River Sunday July 24, 2011 at Prince Solms Park in New Braunfels.

Photo By EDWARD A. ORNELAS/Edward A. Ornelas/Express-News

April Spence (left) and Jay Byars relax in the Comal River Sunday July 24, 2011 at Prince Solms Park in New Braunfels.

Photo By EDWARD A. ORNELAS/Edward A. Ornelas/Express-News

Luis Jaramillo, 12, plays ball in the Comal River Sunday July 24, 2011 at Hinman Island Park in New Braunfels.

Photo By EDWARD A. ORNELAS/Edward A. Ornelas/Express-News

A tuber heads to the Comal River Sunday July 24, 2011 at Hinman Island Park in New Braunfels.

Photo By EDWARD A. ORNELAS/Edward A. Ornelas/Express-News

A tuber enjoys the Comal River Sunday July 24, 2011 at Prince Solms Park in New Braunfels.

Photo By EDWARD A. ORNELAS/Edward A. Ornelas/Express-News

Gavin Lundgren, 7, jumps into the Comal River Sunday July 24, 2011 at Prince Solms Park in New Braunfels.

Photo By EDWARD A. ORNELAS/Edward A. Ornelas/Express-News

Tubers enjoy the tube chute in Prince Solms Park on the Comal River Sunday July 24, 2011 in New Braunfels.

Photo By EDWARD A. ORNELAS/Edward A. Ornelas/Express-News

Deb McDonald and her dog Chuck cool off in the Comal River Sunday July 24, 2011 at Prince Solms Park in New Braunfels.

Photo By LISA KRANTZ/Lisa Krantz/Express-News

Brett Graves, of San Antonio, talks with his girlfriend, Angelica Reyes, right, both of San Antonio, and Dollie Lagunas of New Braunfels, as they relax in the Comal River in New Braunfels on Saturday, May 28, 2011. LISA KRANTZ/lkrantz@express-news.net

Photo By Express-News file photo

A former New Braunfels council member writes that revenue from tubing in the Comal River is "more a cash mouse than a cash cow."

Photo By LISA KRANTZ/Lisa Krantz/Express-News

Tubers, including Mariah Rodriguez, 9, of New Braunfels, bottom/right, enjoy the Comal River in New Braunfels on Saturday, May 28, 2011. LISA KRANTZ/lkrantz@express-news.net

Photo By LISA KRANTZ/Lisa Krantz/Express-News

Tubers, including Adam Martinez, 13, of San Antonio, enjoy the Comal River in New Braunfels on Saturday, May 28, 2011. LISA KRANTZ/lkrantz@express-news.net

Photo By LISA KRANTZ/Lisa Krantz/Express-News

Tubers, including Mariah Rodriguez, 9, of New Braunfels, bottom/right, enjoy the Comal River in New Braunfels on Saturday, May 28, 2011. LISA KRANTZ/lkrantz@express-news.net

Photo By AP

Tubers are flipped around in a drop off as they float the Comal River as Memorial Day Weekend marks the beginning of summer, Friday, May 27, 2011, in New Braunfels, Texas.

Photo By LISA KRANTZ/Lisa Krantz/Express-News

Tubers, including Mariah Rodriguez, 9, of New Braunfels, bottom/right, enjoy the Comal River in New Braunfels on Saturday, May 28, 2011. LISA KRANTZ/lkrantz@express-news.net

Photo By AP

Tubers float the Comal River as Memorial Day Weekend marks the beginning of summer, Friday, May 27, 2011, in New Braunfels, Texas.

Photo By AP

Tubers float the Comal River as Memorial Day Weekend marks the beginning of summer, Friday, May 27, 2011, in New Braunfels, Texas.

Photo By BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

METRO DAILY - A group of tubers from Surfside go down the Prince Solms Park Tube Shute into the Comal river Sunday, August 2, 2001 in New Braunfels. Labor day weekend, which heralds the end of summer, is the last big weekend of tubing in the area. BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI/STAFF

Photo By ERIC GAY/AP

Tubers float the Comal River after it reopened in New Braunfels, Texas, Wednesday, July 24, 2002. Floating on the Comal and Guadalupe rivers was halted during the July 4th weekend after heavy rains caused flooding along both rivers. Most debris has been cleared from the Comal River, but the Guadalupe River remains closed to tubing.

Photo By ERIC GAY/AP

Tubers float the Comal River after it reopened in New Braunfels, Texas, Wednesday afternoon, July 24, 2002. Floating on the Comal and Guadalupe rivers was halted during the July 4th weekend after heavy rains area caused flooding along both rivers. Most debris has been cleared from the Comal River, but the Guadalupe River remains closed to tubing.

Photo By Eric Gay/AP

** FILE **Tubers float on the Comal River in New Braunfels, Texas, May 27, 2004. The New Braunfels City Council decided to relax a slate of new rules regarding coolers, tubes and children's life jackets that were recently passed or considered for local rivers. The council voted Wednesday to allow tubers to carry up to a 16-quart cooler--which holds 20 12-ounce cans--while floating on the Comal and Guadalupe rivers within the city limits.

Photo By SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

People float in inner tubes down the Comal River in New Braunfels, Texas Sunday May 8, 2011.

Prince Solms Park and the Comal River Tube Chute was a bevy of activity on Labor Day in New Braunfels, Texas on Monday, Sept. 6, 2010.

A woman slips past the tube chute on the Comal River in Prince Solms Park on Labor Day in New Braunfels, Texas.

A group floats along the Comal River in Prince Solms Park on Labor Day in New Braunfels, Texas.

An individual floats amidst raindrops in the Comal River at Prince Solms Park in New Braunfels, Texas on Labor Day.

Photo By TOM REEL/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

A line of tubers cruise through as New Braunfels leaders mark the opening of the Comal River for tubing with a jump in at the Rapids at Schlitterbahn's on June 24, 2010. Tom Reel/Staff

Photo By TOM REEL/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

A pair of swimmers leap into the Comal River. (File photo)

Photo By TOM REEL/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

In 2010, Larry Hammonds, Chamber of Commerce Chair of the Board, splashes into the water as New Braunfels leaders mark the opening of the Comal River. (File photo)

Photo By TOM REEL/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

METRO Derek Copenhaver inflates a tube for his friend Alexandra George on the Comal River on Friday, May 28, 2010. Tom Reel/Staff

Photo By TOM REEL/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

METRO A couple tubers enjoy the Comal River on Friday, May 28, 2010. Tom Reel/Staff

Photo By TOM REEL/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

METRO A party of tubers goes under the Garden Street birdge on the Comal River on Friday, May 28, 2010. Tom Reel/Staff

Photo By TOM REEL/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

METRO A pair of tubers on the Comal River challenge each other in standing on tubes as tubing on the Guadalupe and Comal gets underway on Friday, May 28, 2010. Tom Reel/Staff

Photo By TOM REEL/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

METRO A group of tubers enjoy a calm spot on the Comal River as tubing on the Guadalupe and Comal for the holiday weekend gets started on Friday, May 28, 2010. Tom Reel/Staff

Photo By TOM REEL/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

METRO Nicholas Reese carries tubes for his friends across a bridge leading into a launch spot on the Comal River in New Braunfels as Memorial Day weekend tubing on the Guadalupe and Comal gets underway on Friday, May 28, 2010. Tom Reel/Staff

Photo By NICOLE FRUGE/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

A tuber uses flip flops as flippers on the Comal River in New Braunfels, Saturday, May 24, 2008. NICOLE FRUGE/nfruge@express-news.net

Photo By NICOLE FRUGE/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

People tube on the Comal River in New Braunfels, Saturday, May 24, 2008. NICOLE FRUGE/nfruge@express-news.net

Photo By LISA KRANTZ/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

METRO - Tubers come off the City Tube Chute on the Comal River in New Braunfels on Sunday, September, 2, 2007. Lisa Krantz/STAFF

Photo By LISA KRANTZ/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

METRO - Tubers float on the Comal River near the City Tube Chute in New Braunfels on Sunday, September, 2, 2007. Lisa Krantz/STAFF

Photo By TOM REEL/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

METRO Justin Malones heaves tubes toward the front of the store at Corner Tubes in New Braunfels Thursday. Corner Tubes rents to recreationalists near the Comal River and Guadalupre River confluence . AMY PRICE AND STEVE PRICE WITH KIDS ALSO TUBING PREPARATION ON GUADALUPE RIVER TOM REEL/STAFF MAY 26, 2005.

Photo By BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

METRO- John Summers retrieves tubes for customers at Corner Tubes near the Comal River Saturday, July 17, 2004 in New Braunfels. BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI/STAFF

Photo By CHARLES BARKSDALE/EN

FILE-Drinking beer and a rented tube just for the ice chest friends from Southwest Texas State University cool off in the Comal River May 8 2000 in New Braunfels Texas. Celebrating the end of the semester the group is on a two hour tube ride down the cool waters. Photo by Charles Barksdale

Photo By CHARLES BARKSDALE/EN

FILE --- With a tube just for the icechest friends from Southwest Texas State University cool off in the Comal River May 8 2000 in New Braunfels Texas. Celebrating the end of the semester the group is on a two hour tube ride down the cool waters... Photo by Charles Barksdale

Tubers enjoy the Guadalupe River at the fourth crossing Saturday Aug. 13, 2011 in New Braunfels, TX.

Photo By KEVIN GEIL/AP

People cool off in the Guadalupe River during the Labor Day weekend Sunday, Sept. 3, 2000, in New Braunfels, Texas. Temperatures on the last day of summer reached over the century mark again, forcing people to cool off in any way they could. (AP Photo/Express-News, Kevin Geil).

Photo By TOM REEL/AP

Tubers drift on the Guadalupe River, Thursday, May 26, 2005, near Sattler, Texas. Thousands of tubers are expected to float down the river this Memorial Day weekend.

Tuesday, Aug. 17Konner Welch heads for the rapids on the Guadalupe River at the Faust Street Bridge in New Braunfels. He came to the river with his sister and friends for some fun in the final days of summer vacation. Whether it means taking a dip in an area river or buying bottled water from a street vendor, locals forced to be outdoors are going to great lengths to stay cool. High temperatures have hovered around 100 degrees all of August.

Monday, Sept. 6:A group watches Jonathan Llanes of San Antonio do a back flip off a ledge along the Guadalupe River at Camp Huaco Springs near New Braunfels.

San Antonians Candace Price (left) relaxes on the Guadalupe River at Camp Huaco Springs with her daughters Lauren Moreno (center) and Daniella Gonzalez (right) on Labor Day on Monday, Sept. 6, 2010.

Sylvia Gonzales floats along the Guadalupe River at Camp Huaco Springs on Labor Day near New Braunfels, Texas.

Two individuals relax while floating along the Guadalupe River.

Photo By KIN MAN HUI/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

San Antonians Candace Price (left) relaxes on the Guadalupe River at Camp Huaco Springs with her daughters Lauren Moreno (center) and Daniella Gonzalez (right) on Labor Day on Monday, Sept. 6, 2010. Kin Man Hui/kmhui@express-news.net

Photo By TOM REEL/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

METRO Jason Campbell tries a beer game with friends Melissa Grant and Emilee Speer watching at Mountain Breeze campground on the Guadalupe River on Friday, May 28, 2010. Tom Reel/Staff

Photo By TOM REEL/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

METRO Concrete walls supporting a bridge provide a good spot for a sunbather on the Guadalupe River on Friday, May 28, 2010. Tom Reel/Staff

Photo By TOM REEL/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

METRO Rushing water provides a cool spot for sunbathing on the Guadalupe River on Friday, May 28, 2010. Tom Reel/Staff

Photo By TOM REEL/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

METRO Keith Modisette and Tina Green enjoy a walk in shallow water on the Guadalupe River on Friday, May 28, 2010. Tom Reel/Staff

Photo By TOM REEL/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

METRO Rapids overturn a tuber on the Guadalupe River on Friday, May 28, 2010. Tom Reel/Staff

Photo By TOM REEL/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

Three women rest on the rocks over rapids on the Guadalupe River on Friday, May 28, 2010.

Photo By TOM REEL/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

METRO White wate on the Guadalupe River gets the attention of a tuber on Friday, May 28, 2010. Tom Reel/Staff

Photo By TOM REEL/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

METRO A tuber tries to stay afloat over rapids on the Guadalupe River on Friday, May 28, 2010. Tom Reel/Staff

Photo By TOM REEL/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

METRO A tuber takes time to swing off a tree into the water on the Guadalupe River on Friday, May 28, 2010. Tom Reel/Staff

Photo By TOM REEL/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

METRO Tina Green and Keith Modisette position their chairs for the afternoon on the Guadalupe River as tubing on the Guadalupe and Comal gets underway for the weekend on Friday, May 28, 2010. Tom Reel/Staff

Photo By TOM REEL/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

METRO Riding on the front of a kayak gives a dog a close look at Rapids on the Guadalupe River as tubing on the Guadalupe and Comal gets underway on Friday, May 28, 2010. Tom Reel/Staff

METRO Despite threatening skies and low water flow rate on the Guadalupe River near Sattler Saturday, recreationalists line up to rent tubes at the Shanty Tubes house. May 23, 2009. Tom Reel/Staff

Photo By TOM REEL/Tom Reel/Express-News

METRO Tubers relax on a rocky bank which would be submerged if not for low water flow on the Guadalupe River under Canyon Dam Saturday. May 23, 2009. Tom Reel/Staff

Photo By TOM REEL/Tom Reel/Express-News

METRO Tubers and boaters negotiate a low water level near the third crossing Saturday on the Guadalupe River. Normal river flow rate would have the water moving over the top of these rocks. May 23, 2009. Tom Reel/Staff

Photo By TOM REEL/Tom Reel/Express-News

METRO Tubers carry their tubes through a rocky area of the Guadalupe River Saturday after getting stuck due to low water level. May 23, 2009. Tom Reel/Staff

Photo By TOM REEL/Tom Reel/Express-News

METRO A group of recreationalists is force to walk over a rocky area on the Guadalupe River where their boat would not float due to low water level on Saturday. May 23, 2009. Tom Reel/Staff

Photo By TOM REEL/Tom Reel/Express-News

METRO A group of tubers is forced to walk through a rocky area of the Guadalupe River near the third crossing where the water level is too low to float through. May 23, 2009. Tom Reel/Staff

Photo By TOM REEL/Tom Reel/Express-News

METRO Despite cloudy skies and low water level, tubers pack into the horse shoe area of the Guadalupe River near Sattler Saturday. May 23, 2009. Tom Reel/Staff

Photo By TOM REEL/Tom Reel/Express-News

METRO Low water on the Guadalupe River forces tubers to portage to get past a rocky area near the third crossing north of Gruene Saturday. May 23, 2009. Tom Reel/Staff

Photo By TOM REEL/Tom Reel/Express-News

METRO Low water on the Guadalupe River forces tubers to portage to get past a rocky area near the third crossing north of Gruene Saturday. May 23, 2009. Tom Reel/Staff

Photo By ANGELA GRANT/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

Multimedia 42552 - Soaring fuel costs are affecting the tubing business on the Guadalupe River in New Braunfels. But exactly how they’re affecting river outfitters really depends on who you ask.

Photo By MARIANA QUEVEDO/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

Joe Smith, from Cibolo, Texas drifts in his tube on the Guadalupe River. On Sunday July 6, 2008 people gathered at the Guadalupe River for tubing as an end to the long holiday weekend. MARIANA QUEVDO/mquevedo@express-news.net

Photo By MARIANA QUEVEDO/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

Father and son tube over the rapids on the Guadalupe River. On Sunday July 6, 2008 people gathered at the Guadalupe River for tubing as an end to the long holiday weekend. MARIANA QUEVDO/mquevedo@express-news.net

Photo By MARIANA QUEVEDO/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

On Sunday July 6, 2008 people gathered at the Guadalupe River for tubing as an end to the long holiday weekend. MARIANA QUEVDO/mquevedo@express-news.net

Photo By TOM REEL/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

METRO Recreationalists float slowly through the horseshoe loop of the Guadalupe River Saturday, June 28, 2003. One year earlier, the river was over tree tops here and creating havoc all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. Tom Reel/Staff. WATER GUIDE - River Road often seems like the wild side of the Guadalupe River. But it also has a softer side, with family-owned and operated campgrounds and tube outfitters all along the scenic, tree-lined road that winds by the river. The area offers opportunities for tubing, rafting, kayaking, canoeing and camping.

Photo By NICOLE FRUGE/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

People tube on the Guadalupe River, Saturday, May 24, 2008. NICOLE FRUGE/nfruge@express-news.net

Photo By NICOLE FRUGE/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

Drinking and tubing go hand and hand with some on the Guadalupe River, Saturday, May 24, 2008. NICOLE FRUGE/nfruge@express-news.net

Photo By TOM REEL/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

METRO Joyce Casey (left) whose birthday is on the Fourth of July walks with Erin Casey (center) and Tiffany Richard toward the launching area for another floating trip on the horse shoe bend of the Guadalupe River near Sattler Friday. The group is vacationing form Louisiana through the holiday. Tom Reel/Staff June 29, 2007.

Photo By TOM REEL/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

METRO Erin Casey (left) and Tiffany Richard lead a group of their friends from Scott, Louisiana on a trail to the launching area on the horse shoe bend of the Guadalupe River near Sattler Friday. The group plans to stay through the Fourth of July. Tom Reel/Staff June 29, 2007.

Photo By ALICIA WAGNER CALZADA/SPECIAL TO THE EXPRESS-NEWS

(For 210SA) Tubers enjoy the Guadalupe River in New Braunfels, Texas on Saturday, May 19, 2007. (ALICIA WAGNER CALZADA/ SPECIAL TO 210SA)

Photo By ALICIA WAGNER CALZADA/SPECIAL TO THE EXPRESS-NEWS

(For 210SA) Tubers enjoy the Guadalupe River in New Braunfels, Texas on Saturday, May 19, 2007. (ALICIA WAGNER CALZADA/ SPECIAL TO 210SA)

Photo By KEVIN GEIL/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

METRO - Jon Myers of College Station loads his tube into the Guadalupe River in Gruene, Texas that packed with young and old for Memorial Day Monday May 29, 2006. KEVIN GEIL/STAFF

Photo By KEVIN GEIL/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

METRO - Thousands took to the Guadalupe River in Gruene, Texas for Memorial Day Monday May 29, 2006. KEVIN GEIL/STAFF

Photo By BILLY CALZADA/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

Courtney Phillips and other friends from College Station enjoy an afternoon of tubing on the Guadalupe River in Gruene on Friday, March 10, 2006. Water levels are low, and they sometimes got caught on the rocks in the river bed. BILLY CALZADA / STAFF

Photo By BILLY CALZADA/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

Courtney Phillips, left, and Kim Potts join other Texas A&M students for an afternoon of inner tubing on the Guadalupe River in Gruene on Friday, March 10, 2006. The water levels are low, and they sometimes got caught on the rocks in the river bed. March 10, 2006. BILLY CALZADA / STAFF

Photo By HELEN L. MONTOYA/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

METRO: Tubers enjoy one last hurrah with trips down the Guadalupe River on Monday September 5, 2005. Helen L. Montoya/Staff

Photo By TOM REEL/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

METR O A tuber thrills as she splashes into the white water of "The Chute" on the Guadalupe River north of New Braunfels Monday. Traffic on the river was very light for a holiday. Law officers on hand attribute the quite day to several nights of rain and thunderstorms. TUBING ON THE GUADALUPE RIVER MAY 30, 2005 TOM REEL/STAFF

Photo By TOM REEL/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

METR O Two tubers brace themselves for a wild ride through "The Chute" on the Guadalupe River north of New Braunfels Monday. Their tubes bottled up the group behind them until the fast moving water flushed them all through. TUBING ON THE GUADALUPE RIVER MAY 30, 2005 TOM REEL/STAFF

Photo By TOM REEL/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

METR O Margo Hoskins enjoys the antics of tubers sliding through "The Chute" area on the Guadalupe River above New Braunfels Monday. Hoskins, from Friendswood, was visiting friends who live on the river. MTUBING ON THE GUADALUPE RIVER MAY 30, 2005 TOM REEL/STAFF

Photo By TOM REEL/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

METR O A tubing dog hangs ten over the Huaco Falls on the Guadalupe River Monday. The canines owner spilled out of his tube, but the dog negotiated the white water with no trouble. TUBING ON THE GUADALUPE RIVER MAY 30, 2005 TOM REEL/STAFF

Photo By TOM REEL/AP

Early holiday campers set up on the banks of the Guadalupe River, some of the tents going in to sheltering caves near Huaco Falls on Thursday , May 25, 2005. The Memorial Day weekend is expected to draw thousands to the area for camping and tubing down the Guadalupe. AP Photo/San Antonio Express-News,Tom Reel

Photo By TOM REEL/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

METRO Tina Adams stacks tubes to be fitted with plastic bottoms at Shanty Tubes in Sattler Thursday morning in preparation for the Memorial Day weekend. AMY PRICE AND STEVE PRICE WITH KIDS ALSO TUBING PREPARATION ON GUADALUPE RIVER TOM REEL/STAFF MAY 26, 2005.

Photo By BOB OWEN/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

Metro daily - Two women, right, laugh after thier friend was knocked over by tubers on the Guadalupe River at the Horseshoe near Sattler, Texas, Saturday, Sept. 4, 2004. photo Bob Owen

Photo By BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

METRO- Tubers enter the Guadalupe River at the Rocin' R Saturday, July 17, 2004 in Gruene. BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI/STAFF

Photo By BOB OWEN/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

Metro daily - Tubers in various states of under water pass through Huaco (CQ) Falls during Traditional holiday tubing on the Guadalupe River in New Braunfels, Tx., Saturday, July 3, 2004. photo bob owen

Photo By BOB OWEN/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

Metro daily - Forth of July tubers prepare to go down Huaco (CQ) Falls on the Guadalupe River near New Braunfels, Tx. as the popular event draws crowds to enjoy the cool waters, Saturday, July 3, 2004. photo bob owen

Photo By KEVIN GEIL/EXPRESS-NEWS

METRO -Sandy Price yells with excitment after making it through the rapids near the Gruene bridge on the Guadalupe River Monday Sept. 1, 2003. Labor Day marks the end of the 2003 summer season. KEVIN GEIL/STAFF

Photo By WILLIAM LUTHER/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

METRO --- People gather on the Guadalupe River Saturday, Sept. 28, 2002 in Gruene on the first day the river has been open to tubers since this summer's floods as tubers pass in the background. (WILLIAM LUTHER/STAFF)

Photo By WILLIAM LUTHER/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

METRO --- A tubers make their way down the Guadalupe River Saturday, Sept. 28, 2002 in Gruene on the first day the river has been open to tubers since this summer's floods. (WILLIAM LUTHER/STAFF)

Photo By WILLIAM LUTHER/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

METRO --- A tuber makes his way down the Guadalupe River Saturday, Sept. 28, 2002 in Gruene on the first day the river has been open to tubers since this summer's floods. (WILLIAM LUTHER/STAFF)

Photo By TOM REEL/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

METRO Jamie Smith and Leslie Smith (not related), from Dallas, have some fun with passing groups of tubers on the Guadalupe River Saturday afternoon. Comal county officials on the river at this location (Hueco Springs) said that the crowds were well behaved so far this year. TUBING ON THE GUADALUPE RIVER. TOM REEL/STAFF MAY 29, 2004.

Photo By TOM REEL/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

METRO Tubers and rafters party it up on the Guadalupe River Saturday afternoon. TUBING ON THE GUADALUPE RIVER. TOM REEL/STAFF MAY 29, 2004.

Photo By TOM REEL/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

METRO A family group hits the cool waters of the Guadalupe River at the FM306 launch site Saturday early in the afternoon. Tubers at this point on the river can "do the loop" in about one hour then put in again at the same spot after a short walk back. TUBING ON THE GUADALUPE RIVER. TOM REEL/STAFF MAY 29, 2004.

Photo By TOM REEL/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

METRO Even the dog gets in on the fun on the Guadalupe River Saturday afternoon. She was flaoting with his owner several miles upstream from New Braunfels. TUBING ON THE GUADALUPE RIVER. TOM REEL/STAFF MAY 29, 2004.

Photo By TOM REEL/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

METRO A rafter with a hat that read "I Love John Denver" braces for a series of rapids on the Guadalupe River above New Braunfels. TUBING ON THE GUADALUPE RIVER. TOM REEL/STAFF MAY 29, 2004.

Photo By TOM REEL/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

METRO Leslie Smith, from Dallas, shows her appreciation of some music being played by tubers passing by in the Guadalupe River Saturday north of New Braunfels. TUBING ON THE GUADALUPE RIVER. TOM REEL/STAFF MAY 29, 2004.

Photo By TOM REEL/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

METRO River goers above Slumber Falls take advantage of the slow current before the rapids to keep the party going. TUBING ON THE GUADALUPE RIVER. TOM REEL/STAFF MAY 29, 2004.

Photo By TOM REEL/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

METRO Dressed appropriately for the occasion, a raft captain steers his craft toward the opening of the Slumber Falls rapids on the Guadalupe River Saturday. TUBING ON THE GUADALUPE RIVER. TOM REEL/STAFF MAY 29, 2004.

Photo By TOM REEL/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

METRO Tubers and rafters put in the Guadalupe River just underneath Canyon Dam Thursday, May, 15, 2003. Last year's flooding on this section of the river removed the dangerous Horseshoe Falls, just downriver, which was not navigable. Now it is possible to float on the river the entire distance from the dam into New Braunfels. Tom Reel/Staff

Photo By TOM REEL

Metro Tubers were out in droves on the Guadalupe River near Gruene Saturday on the first day of the Fourth of July weekend. The river was running at a slow rate , however river outfitters were doing great business. July 1

Photo By EDWARD A. ORNELAS/EN

FOR METRO -ROXANNE WREN COOLS OFF WHILE TUBING THE GUADALUPE RIVER IN NEW BRAUNFELS. PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ORNELAS/STAFF

Photo By JOHN DAVENPORT

INSIGHT / ADVANCE / FOR 09 03 00 / FOR LINDA VAUGHAN: Luis Ayala of ColLege Station, Texas beats the Labor Day weekend heat by shielding himself from the sun with an umbrella and staying cool while tubing down the Guadalupe River Sunday Sept. 05, 1999 near Sattler, Texas. Ayala said he tries to make the river tri each Labor day holiday.

Photo By JOHN DAVENPORT

INSIGHT / ADVANCE / FOR 09 03 00 / FOR LINDA VAUGHAN: Tubers stay cool while tubing down the Guadalpe River near Sattler, Texas on Sunday Sept. 5,1999 for the Labor Day weekend. PHOTO BY JOHN DAVENPORT / STAFF

Photo By TOM REEL/TR Water 1

Metro feature Two girls, sharing a tube, found it hard to stay on board as they went over some white water on the Guadalupe River near New Braunfels. The river is running at about 200 cfs, which is great for tubing. Photo by Tom Reel 6/18/98

Photo By TOM REEL/TR Water

Comal County feature art. Steve Botto, 3, cringes when the cold water of the Guadalupe River splashes on him the result of his cousin Janelle Pfluger,11, paddling their tube at Guadalupe River State Park. Photo by Tom Reel 4/10/98

NEW BRAUNFELS — A communitywide coalition, which supports a controversial ban on disposable food and drink containers on the city's waterways, kicked off its campaign Wednesday.

Support The Ban, a political action committee backed by civic leaders, officer holders and the local clergy, will go head-to-head in a public relations war with Can The Ban, a PAC formed by those opposed to the controversial ordinance. That group includes businesses involved in the city's $418 million tourism industry.

Opponents of the ban, which takes effect in 2012, say it's a backdoor way to ban alcohol on the Comal and Guadalupe rivers. A city attempt to do that in 2001 was overruled by state officials, who control consumption on state waters.

Ban supporters say the issue is litter, not alcohol, and that a ban will preserve the Comal for future generations.

The drought rendered much of the Guadalupe unusable for tourists who like to float downstream in tubes, so hordes descended on the Comal, a river that winds through the city and whose recreation has historically has been geared toward families.

Increased crowds brought increased arrests, citations and costs.

The city, Support the Ban spokeswoman Kathleen Krueger said, picked up 700,000 gallons of trash this summer, and New Braunfels says another summer like this will put it $600,000 over budget.

Ban opponents, who forced a Nov. 8 election by gathering 1,666 names on a petition, say tourists generate $12.9 million in tax revenue for the city. They say the ban will dam up that revenue stream and that businesses will suffer, too.

“Simply put, the ban will be great for people who live along the river and for their personal property values,” said Jay Patrick, Can the Ban treasurer, “but the rest of us will pay more property taxes due to a decline in sales taxes and in hotel-motel taxes.”

Ban supporters, however, say tourism depends on a container ban.

“We want families, who are the backbone of our tourism business, to come back to New Braunfels,” said Valin Miller, co-owner of a shuttle bus service for tubers.

“This is one of the most historical and important decisions New Braunfels will ever make,” Krueger said. “Enough is enough.”